Lloyd Kelly's first words as a Newcastle United player and squad number confirmed
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Lloyd Kelly after his contract expired at Bournemouth
Newcastle United have confirmed Lloyd Kelly has completed his move to St James' Park. The deal will officially go through on July 1 when Kelly's current contract at Bournemouth ends, with the free agent understood to have signed a five-year deal at St James' Park.
The defender completed his medical in London yesterday to become the first signing of the summer for Newcastle, ahead of what is expected to be a busy couple of months, starting with the transfer window opening tomorrow.
A United statement read: "Newcastle United is delighted to announce that defender Lloyd Kelly will join the club on 1 July 2024.
"The 25-year-old will make the switch to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, following five years at AFC Bournemouth, where he was originally brought in by Magpies head coach Eddie Howe.
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"Kelly becomes the club’s first arrival of the summer transfer window after putting pen to paper on a long-term deal and will wear the number 25 shirt. The former England Under-21s international, who can play centrally or on the left of defence, featured 23 times in the Premier League last season as the Cherries secured a 12th-place finish."
After signing Kelly said: "It's amazing to be coming here. I know how big the club is and how much it means to all the fans, and I just want to hit the ground running and get to work.
"It’s a big move for myself and the family - of course being down south is a bit different - but I think the city of Newcastle is amazing, with the contrast between city life and the countryside. It wasn't a hard decision for me to come here. Working with the gaffer previously, I know what he wants from his players and how he wants his players to play, and I think with what I can bring it just makes sense. I just can't wait to get started.”
Head coach Eddie Howe added: "I’m really pleased to have secured Lloyd’s signature. He’s a player who’s proven himself at Premier League level and I’m certain he’ll be a great addition as we prepare for the new season.
"Lloyd is a player I’ve admired since the early stages of his career. Alongside his undoubted defensive ability, he brings versatility and leadership qualities that I believe will make him a great fit within our squad and somebody our supporters will quickly take to.
"He has plenty of Premier League experience already under his belt, yet Lloyd’s at an age where he can still develop. He has a lot of potential and I’m really looking forward to working with him again."